White Paper - Lessons Shaping the Multifamily Market in 2026
Overview
As the multifamily industry reflects on 2025, the market enters 2026 at a clear inflection point.
After two years of elevated interest rates and muted transaction activity, the Federal Reserve’s December rate cut — its third of the year following moves in September and October — became a defining moment late in 2025, adding to the reset expectations across the capital stack. Together, the three 25-basis-point reductions brought the benchmark rate down to 3.50%–3.75% by year-end. Even so, Fed officials entered 2026 signaling caution, projecting only one additional cut this year as they wait for a clearer read on economic conditions.
For operators, lenders, and investors, the question coming out of 2025 is not whether the easing cycle has begun — it objectively has — but how quickly these cuts will translate into improved deal flow, pricing stability, and clearer underwriting.
Drawing from CF Capital’s transaction experience, market observations, and insights shared throughout 2025, this White Paper looks back at the lessons that defined the past year and outlines how they are shaping multifamily performance and investor behavior heading into 2026.
While national data provides important context, the emphasis here is on the pressures we observed on the ground throughout 2025: cap-rate shifts, operational headwinds, and the continued importance of conservative underwriting in a market where fundamentals remain sound but uneven.
These takeaways reflect not only where the market ended 2025, but where decision-making pressure is most likely to concentrate in 2026.
👉 Download the report now to explore how our investment principles and disciplined operations are creating opportunity despite today’s volatility.
In partnership with CCIM Kentucky and Frost Brown Todd, CF Capital hosted a dynamic conversation last month exploring the real forces shaping CRE. CF's Tyler Chesser provides an in the trenches perspective on the key factors affecting the Midwest Multifamily Market today and his perspective on where the market is headed.
This was a powerful gathering of 75+ attendees consisting of lenders, operators, attorneys, and investors—and we’re committed to staying ahead of these shifting tides so you don’t have to. We’re very happy to share the full recording for folks who were unable to attend in person.
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Webinar - What Investors Want Now
WEBINAR: WHAT INVESTORS WANT NOW:
Making the Case for Multifamily in an Uncertain Market
July 2025
Join CF Capital founders Tyler Chesser and Bryan Flaherty for an in depth conversation on why multifamily remains a great investment vehicle during uncertain markets. Joined by host, Sarah Quinn of ConnectCRE, Tyler and Bryan share some of CF's key strategies, project examples and why the Midwest and Southeast remain active targets. Listen in.
WHITE PAPER - Stability Through Cycles
STABILITY THROUGH CYCLES:
Navigating Multifamily Investing in 2025 and Beyond
Executive Summary
"The multifamily real estate market in 2025 is poised for continued evolution, shaped by economic trends, demographic shifts, and investor demand for stability. With interest rates stabilizing, rental demand increasing, and affordability pressures limiting homeownership, multifamily assets remain a cornerstone for wealth preservation and growth. This report explores key market drivers, growth opportunities, and CF Capital’s strategic approach to navigating this dynamic landscape."
We invite you to click the link below, and we'll examine other Macro-Economic Trends Impacting Multifamily; Inflation and Market Stability; Housing Affordability and Rental Demand; and perhaps most important, Multifamily Market Performance and Predictions and our Investment and Risk Management Strategies we employ to smooth the rippled waters...
Inside this White Paper, we share:
- How our Midwest-focused strategy provides insulation from coastal volatility
- Why disciplined underwriting and hands-on ownership still win
- The macro trends shaping multifamily in the second half of 2025
👉 Download the report now to explore how our investment principles and disciplined operations are creating opportunity despite today’s volatility.